New rules! Amazon UK implements prepaid return label function

Recently, Amazon UK issued a new announcement, stating that from July 5, 2021, all sellers will be required to provide prepaid return labels for tracked shipping methods (domestic only) or provide no-return refunds for customer return requests that fall within the scope of Amazon's return policy.

According to Amazon's announcement, tracking shipments allows customers and sellers to understand the status of returned items, which can also protect sellers from losing items during transportation.

Amazon said that to ensure this requirement is met and provide customers with access to prepaid return labels, the Amazon Prepaid Return Label (APRL) feature will be enabled for sellers with a default return address in the UK .

After enabling the APRL feature, customer return requests for products sold by sellers on Amazon.co.uk will be processed as follows:

All customer-initiated returns requested through the Online Returns Center (ORC) that fall within the Amazon return policy will be automatically authorized and the buyer will receive a trackable prepaid return label (domestic only) shipping service issued by APRL on the seller's behalf through Buy.

Prepaid return labels are only issued if they are covered by any third-party shipping provider that supports returns through Buy Shipping Services. Hermes and Royal Mail are the only integrated third-party carriers that support returns within the UK.

It is important to note that all customer-initiated return requests outside of Amazon's return policy or items exempt from the APRL will be sent to you for manual review and authorization. Certain product categories and subcategories are automatically exempt from the APRL, such as Handmade, Custom Made by Amazon, Sexual Wellness, Certified Pre-owned Watches, and Commercial, Industrial, and Scientific Supplies (Professional Medical and Dental Supplies).

Additionally, sellers can apply for specific exemptions from the APRL, such as high-value items that require special shipping and insurance, non-physical items (warranties, digital software, or digital coupons), large and heavy items that exceed the weight and size guidelines agreed to by the carrier, items that are non-returnable by law, and dangerous goods and Hazmat (hazardous materials).

Currently, Royal Mail and Hermes cover all return shipping costs for seller-fulfilled orders through the Buy Shipping service. By using the Buy Shipping service through APRL, you agree to the participating service provider's terms and conditions and Amazon's Buy Shipping Services terms and conditions .

In addition, Amazon also stated that to ensure that returns are sent to your preferred returns address, please make sure your UK default returns delivery address is up to date and that the requirement for a refund within two working days remains unchanged.

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